Throughout the 100 years that Barron Collier Companies has been fortunate to act as stewards of land development in Collier County, few experiences have been more rewarding than that of Ave Maria and Ave Maria University.

As most local residents are aware, it has been announced that this summer Tom Monaghan will step down from the role of CEO of Ave Maria University in order to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as chancellor. While we know that Mr. Monaghan will continue to tirelessly work to advance fundraising, enrollment and public awareness of Ave Maria University, we find a moment to pause and reflect on Mr. Monaghan's great contribution to our community and the future of Catholic higher education.

Mr. Monaghan is famously known as the founder of Domino's Pizza and former owner of the Detroit Tigers, but arguably his greatest legacy will be that of realizing his vision in creating the nation's first major Catholic university in over 40 years and thus positively impacting countless future students and higher education for generations to come. His impressive financial commitment, employing thousands of people on campus and in town over the years, set the stage for a new and burgeoning economy in eastern Collier County.

The town of Ave Maria, its residents and businesses, owe much gratitude to the University and Mr. Monaghan. Since its inception in 2003, the university has garnered national attention and interest, its affiliated organizations attracting such notable speakers as Gov. Jeb Bush, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, ex-college football coach Lou Holtz and Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

Mr. Monaghan was instrumental in bringing a law school to Collier County as well as the renowned Catholic organization, Legatus. But the university's impact can best be felt locally. It awards university and Rhodora J. Donahue Academy K-12 scholarships for needy local students, honors Marine Corps and other veteran soldiers with University scholarships, supports local athletic organizations, and is a patron of the arts.

Culture is alive and diverse in Ave Maria with thanks to Mr. Monaghan. Eminent sculptor Márton Váró, famous for his Angels on High at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, is currently transforming 54 metric tons of Carrara marble into a stunning 35-foot sculpture of the Annunciation on the façade of the Oratory. This monument, scheduled to be ceremoniously unveiled on March 25, ushers Ave Maria into the international art scene.

Ave Maria University's design and architecture is breathtaking. The Oratory, the signature piece in the heart of the town center, is awe-inspiring and draws visitors from the world over. Mr. Monaghan's vision has reached so many, religious or not, and certainly has touched the future of Collier County.

We also thank University President Nick Healy, for his decade of service and commitment in building the university and town into what it is today. We worked closely with Mr. Healy, as pioneers of Mr. Monaghan's vision, and are thus eternally grateful.

We are indebted to Mr. Monaghan for engaging us both as a company and as Collier County residents, in a remarkable and transforming journey. His presence will always be known — in an under-privileged youth attending the university on scholarship, in the spirit and camaraderie of Ave Maria sports programs, in the caliber of future students and speakers, and, most importantly, in the generosity and kindness of the human spirit prevalent in his legacy.